Eugene Weekly : Calendar : 3.15.07

Deadline for Calendar and Art in the Galleries submissions are noon on Thursday, a week before the issue that covers your event. Send an e-mail with event, date, time, location and cost to attend to cal@eugeneweekly.com

African dance + Brazilian dance = Afro-Brazilian amazingness! Viver Brasil (literally "Brazilian life" in Portuguese) is a highly evolved ensemble founded ten years ago in the cultural cauldron of Los Angeles. Making multiple visits to the Afro-Brazilian stronghold in northeastern Brazil has enriched the company's repertoire, currently specializing in Capoeira, a mixture of dance and martial art. To picture Capeoristas, try to imagine water moving, rushing with impact, swirling upside down and off-balance, and then freezing in icy suspension, only to melt and do it again. It's otherworldly and intensely playful. But more than just a performing arts troupe, Viver Brasil is also an educational outreach nonprofit, promoting Afro-Brazilian dance and culture to schools. Students often become young apprentices to the dancers and have formed their own youth ensembles. Recently described as "breathless and colorful" by the LA Weekly, Viver Brasil's energy has been known to "sweep through the audience," so if you think you got moves, check out the free dance and Capoeira workshop with company members at 6 pm Thursday, March 15, at Agate Hall. Otherwise we'll see you at the McDonald Theatre Friday night. See Friday Calendar.

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a French, Swedish or Irish worker who gets a minimum of 25 days of paid vacation per year (not including public holidays)? What would you do with all that free time? Perhaps relax, spend time with the kids or finally get around to taking that long overdue trip back East? The Japanese word karoshi literally translates as "death from overwork," and Japan takes it seriously enough to implement a mandatory 18 paid vacation days. In the U.S., vacation pay is not required by law, and usually amounts to one week per year, if that. It was in this frame of mind that Curtis White, professor of English at Illinois State University, wrote The Spirit of Disobedience: Resisting the Charms of Fake Politics, Mindless Consumption, and the Culture of Total Work. The book grapples with issues pertaining to Marxism, Transcendentalism, work ethics, spirituality and religious beliefs. White believes that the left's anti-materialistic rationale will not gain tread without a spiritual component, ultimately recognizing what is perhaps most essential for our well-being. White will be touring the area this weekend, giving presentations in Florence, Eugene and Corvallis on Friday and Saturday. See Calendar.

"The Spirit of Disobedience: Resisting the Charms of Fake Politics, Mindless Consumption and the Culture of Total Work," a lecture by Curtis White, 7pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 19th & Tamarack, Florence. Don.

Registration now open for a variety of City of Eugene-sponsored Spring Break camps from March 26-30 for children age 2 1/2 to 17 years. Register, www.eugene-or.gov/recenrollor 682-5333.

New Zone Gallery will be accepting submissions for its "Zone 4 All" non-juried April exhibit at noon-6pm March 30 and noon-4pm March 31. $10 entry fee. www.newzone.orgor 935-4308.

Abby's Closet, Inc. is collecting used formal gowns and prom wear for distribution to high school girls free-of-charge so they can afford to attend their prom. Donate between now and April 6 at the following drop-off sites: Umpqua Bank (675 Oak St.) and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority (815 E. 15th).

Cottage Theatre is holding auditions for Prelude to a Kiss at 1pm Saturday, March 17. Six to eight men & six to seven women needed, ages 16-65. www.cottagetheatre.orgor 942-8001.

Actors Cabaret is holding auditions for musical All Shook Up at 5pm Sunday, March 18. Nine men & nine women needed. 683-4368.